6 Personality Traits of a Social Media Expert

“People will happily pay more to be entertained than to be educated.” ~ Johnny Carson

This is the secret sauce of social media. Case in point – On February 15, The American Red Cross accidentally posted a potentially damaging tweet:

Realizing the harm that this could do (not to mention that Ryan wasn’t actually drunk) the organization issued this mitigating tweet:

What a lesson in social media communication! Honest, transparent and humorous.

What followed shortly after was an incredibly fantastic outcome – An avalanche of support towards the Red Cross (in cash and blood) and a pledge of donations from the makers of Dogfish Beer.

This story tells me that social media requires a ‘certain type’ of personality to connect with, engage and win over an audience:

Honest and transparent

Has interesting things to say

Knows how and when to use humor

Doesn’t take themselves too seriously (isn’t bent out of shape if they make a mistake)

Enjoys people and conversation

Has a deep sense of empathy

I think that one of the most important lessons that social media continues to teach us, is that we’re all human, and that’s actually what our audience wants – to interact with other humans, not a corporate logo.

In social media we must risk being vulnerable, show our personalities and converse with those who choose to follow us as we would with our closest friends. That’s what it’s all about.

Are there other personality traits of a social media expert that you know of?

So I heard and read about the Red Cross mistaken tweet. Could easily have happened to any of us that use tools to manage multiple accounts. One thing I’d like to add to you’re already good list is “knows how to keep a conversation going.” In order to be good at being social, you have to be able to not just engage people but get them interested in replying and/or keeping up with the conversation.

http://wordviewediting.com Patricia Redsicker

Good point – it’s important to keep the conversation going. I believe that’s what Ann Handley refers to as “stoking the camp-fire”! Thanks for that!

Marinara425

If you want to see a textbook perfect example of these social media traits in action, check out the timeline or follow @dkny, the “PR Girl” for the Donna Karan brand. Textbook perfect. And, her Tumblr blog is quite impressive, too!

Marinara425

If you want to see a textbook perfect example of these social media traits in action, check out the timeline or follow @dkny, the “PR Girl” for the Donna Karan brand. Textbook perfect. And, her Tumblr blog is quite impressive, too!